Milwaukee County's Committee on Finance convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss a pivotal amendment regarding the county's transportation network. The committee voted to halt the implementation of the Transportation Network Companies (TNC) bus driver relief pilot program, originally included in the 2025 budget, due to insufficient funding and lack of union support.

Kevin Pumphrey, Chief Operating Officer for Milwaukee County Transit, outlined the challenges faced in executing the pilot program, which aimed to provide relief for bus operators using vans. Despite initial enthusiasm, the program struggled to gain traction, primarily because the union insisted that only local operators could drive the relief vans. Pumphrey noted that the allocated $35,000 was inadequate to sustain the program, which could only cover a few weeks of operation.

In light of these challenges, Pumphrey proposed reallocating the funds to enhance security patrols across the transit system instead. He emphasized that increasing security visibility would not only benefit operators but also passengers, addressing ongoing safety concerns that have plagued the transit system. The committee discussed the importance of operator safety, citing incidents where drivers faced threats while waiting for relief.

Interim President and Managing Director Julie Ash supported this shift, highlighting the need for targeted public safety measures, including overtime for security officers during high-demand hours. The committee ultimately recommended the amendment to repurpose the funds for public safety, which sparked a debate among supervisors about the priorities for transit funding.

Several supervisors expressed their commitment to the original driver relief program, arguing that the funds should remain dedicated to that purpose. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that operators are not left vulnerable while waiting for relief, especially given past incidents of violence against drivers.

As discussions continue, the committee's decision reflects a broader struggle within Milwaukee County to balance budget constraints with the pressing need for enhanced safety and operational support for transit workers. The outcome of this amendment will likely influence future budget discussions as the county grapples with a significant deficit and seeks effective solutions for its transit system.